Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina State University's College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences honored WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel on Thursday for his contributions to the college and its students.

At a dinner, Fishel received the Zenith Medal for Service, which the college gives to recognize alumni or friends "for distinguished contributions or advocacy that significantly advance our ability to make powerful impacts on science, the economy, the environment and the quality of human life."

"Fishel has been an advocate for the college and a partner with our faculty and students, almost from the first day that he arrived at WRAL-TV," spokeswoman Anita Stallings said. Fishel has been with WRAL for more than 20 years.

"From working closely with our faculty, to mentoring students, to serving as chair of the State Climate Office Advisory Committee, Fishel's service to the College is broad and meaningful," Stallings said.

At the same dinner, the college gave Philip Summa of Charlotte its Medal of Achievement. Officials recognized Jun Zhu of Hangzhou, China, as the college's 2007 distinguished alumnus.